Foundations • the first step in the Studio Practice Cycle
Foundations
New to The Studio?
Start here.
The Studio Foundations introduce a few concepts that appear throughout the explorations and lessons.
These ideas will help you feel more comfortable as you begin working with watercolor, drawing, and sketchbook studies.
You don’t need to master anything here. Think of this page as a short orientation that gives you a helpful starting point for your creative practice.
You can return to these foundations anytime as a reference.
You don't need a large collection of supplies to begin exploring.
Most lessons use a small selection of materials such as:
- a mixed media sketchbook
- watercolor paper (optional)
- a few watercolor paints
- a brush, water container, and paper towel
- fineliner pens or markers for drawing
Working with a limited set of materials helps remove distractions and allows you to focus on experimentation.
Suggested Art Supplies
Foundation Exercises
These exercises support the exploration directions you’ll use throughout The Studio.
They introduce a few core ideas used in both watercolor and mindful drawing, so your practice feels more connected and easier to build on.
If you plan to explore mixed media, working through both sections will give you a stronger starting point.
Paint
Consistency
Watercolor behaves differently depending on how much water is mixed with the paint.
In The Studio, we use three simple terms to describe paint consistency:
Tea – very diluted paint with lots of water
Coffee – a medium strength mixture
Espresso – thick, rich paint with very little water
Understanding these simple levels makes it easier to control color, layering, and transparency.
Color
Palette
A color triad is a set of three colors that work together naturally.
Instead of using many paints at once, working with a limited triad helps colors stay harmonious while still allowing for a wide range of variation.
In many Studio exercises, you'll begin with a small palette and explore how those colors interact as they mix and layer.
So all you really need is 3 colors to get started! 5-7 colors are nice for variety.
Watercolor Foundations
Follow along with the Watercolor Foundations handout.
These short sessions walk through the core watercolor skills used throughout The Studio.
Work through them in order, or revisit anytime you want a quick reset.
Watch the Demonstrations
● Paint consistency using the tea, coffee, and espresso method
● Simple color mixing with a limited palette
● Water control for smoother, more predictable results
What You'll Practice
DIY Mixing Palette
Mixing 3 Palettes
This helps you keep your colors cohesive while still allowing for a range of variation.
Use a lid or clear plastic with the palette template to build confidence with color mixing.
Create a warm, cool, and neutral palette using just 3 colors each.
Use the handout to create a reusable mixing guide.
Continue to Mindful Drawing
Next, move on to Mindful Drawing Foundations below.
Working through both sections will give you a stronger base, especially if you plan to combine drawing and watercolor.
Mindful Drawing
Foundations
Mindful Drawing
Exercises
As you complete the exercises and make your first drawing I'll cover:
• how to create simple paper shapes with a reinforced back for repeated use
• What to do in very small spaces.
• how to create sweeping lines.
• the advantage of starting with a pencil
• how to choose a marker thickness
Complex drawings often grow from very simple beginnings.
One approach used throughout The Studio is building drawings one pattern at a time.
This method allows designs to evolve naturally while keeping the process relaxed and enjoyable.
Over time, simple patterns begin to connect and form larger compositions.
In mindful drawing, the element of chance helps remove the pressure of planning every mark.
Instead of trying to design a finished drawing from the beginning, simple prompts or random choices allow the drawing to develop gradually.
This process keeps the work playful and often leads to unexpected results.
Mindful Drawing Foundations
Follow along with the drawing exercises.
These short sessions introduce the core ideas used throughout mindful drawing in The Studio.
Work through them in order, or return anytime to reset your process.
Watch the Demonstrations
● Using the element of chance to begin without overplanning
● Developing drawings one pattern at a time
● Working with small shapes and sweeping lines.
What You'll Practice
Idea Collection
Make a
Mindful Drawing
Use the cut-out shapes from the handout to create a drawing using the contour-straight pattern.
Here’s how to create a collection of lesson ideas for easy reference using the first 10 Mindful Drawing handouts.
Draw along with me
Create a lesson idea Collection
Ready to Move Forward?
The goal isn’t to perfect these ideas, but to become familiar with them so they feel natural as you explore.
Once you’re familiar with these foundations, the best place to start is the Exploration Step.
There you’ll find several directions for experimenting with watercolor, drawing, and sketchbook studies.
